I haven't posted here for a while, been driving the '89 XJS convertible around in sheer bliss for about 1 1/2 years. I'm wondering if I have a leak in the gas tank? Filled tank. Drove to golf course with wife. Parked on SEVERE tilt, driver's side (left side) significantly lower. I know, what kind of golf course is this... About 85 degrees, temperature, not the tilt. Came back from 9 holes, about 1 1/2 hours, just caught the gas dripping out by the left muffler, almost behind it, it seemed to run down the quarter panel. Just must have started dripping, big fat drips, kinda fast, very small puddle underneath. I made the nutty decision to drive it home, 10 miles. Well, you know we made it because I'm typing this. Figured muffler would be cold for a couple miles, then stopped and checked it. No leak. Drove the rest of the way home, no leak, but was expecting to get blown up the whole way. Parked in garage, no leak, it's 2 days later. Do you think it's OK? Thanks for your help, whoever answers. (My wife is scared to get in it, and, she loves this car.)

 

Sounds to me that between a full tank, heat from sitting in the sun and the severe parking angle that most likely the fuel expanded and leaked out through the overfill tube.

Now that the car is level, has less fuel and cooler everything is ok.

Keep an eye on it but I suspect that it is fine.

Mark

 

Thanks, I didn't know it had an overfill tube, That should explain it, I'll keep a watch.